The Lost Lake Farmer Podcast

Bedtime routine 31.01.2022 14:47 ↓

My wife has taken it upon herself to force a new bedtime routine on me (since I have been unable to do it myself), which is lovely.

Cheese experiments 28.01.2022 18:10 ↓

In which I describe an experimental cheese underway today, as well as my general process for developing new cheese types and improving our existing ones.

Biochar in cheese 27.01.2022 7:57 ↓

I discuss my process for making, grinding, and mixing burr oak biochar with salt for addition to my signature Burrnt Oak Camembert style cheese.

Farm self-assessment 26.01.2022 48:37 ↓

I review different areas of our farm management and discuss ways we can improve. Inspired by The Moos Room podcast from University of Minnesota Extension.

Planning for bookkeeping 23.01.2022 7:54 ↓

I describe why I think planning and lists haven’t worked for me in the past, and how I am attempting to use a to-do list in a better way.

Cleaning and sanitizing 22.01.2022 17:03 ↓

I discuss some of our cleaning and sanitizing procedures, as well as my philosophy toward food safety and how it starts with healthy cows.

Milking procedure 22.01.2022 8:09 ↓

I talk through our procedure for prepping and milking cows here at Lost Lake Farm.

Cow breeds part 3 20.01.2022 21:54 ↓

In which I put my breeding strategies into a broader context, visualizing what it could lead to in the coming decades.

1st Winter Cheese Club shipment is out! 18.01.2022 7:16 ↓

I’m sick and taking things slow, but Ranae had a very productive weekend!

Cow breeds part 2: AI bull breeds 17.01.2022 36:57 ↓

In which I discuss my thoughts on crossbreeding and the various breeding strategies I have tried/am trying. Sorry there may have to be a part 3. I think about this a lot!

Snow! (And hassle) (and fighting myself) 16.01.2022 11:04 ↓

Snow, cold, snowdrifts, hungry critters, and a depressed farmer. Farmer’s wife was occupied cutting cheese for cheese club. Slogging through because there’s no choice.

Snow and wind and livestock 15.01.2022 7:58 ↓

I’m a worried farmer when it’s cold and windy and I’m not sure if my stock are all well-enough protected.

Cow breeds part 1 14.01.2022 10:14 ↓

In which I discuss the breeds of cows we purchased that made the foundations of our female lines.

Gratitude 12.01.2022 6:43 ↓

In which I spout forth a seemingly random list of things for which I am grateful.

Visually assessing cows, part 2 10.01.2022 20:50 ↓

In which I describe more traits I look at in cows. I promise the next episode won’t be quite as cow-heavy!

Visually assessing cows 09.01.2022 12:35 ↓

I describe my thoughts on visual assessment of cows and heifers, specifically the things I would like to learn more about the topic.

Walk with me 08.01.2022 11:50 ↓

In which I take you along on a walk by our farm stream. I discuss my thoughts on our relationship with the wild things that share our landscape.

Normande sire selection 08.01.2022 20:46 ↓

I do a bit of explaining how my day got off track… then talk about what I did instead of my plan, which was selecting Normande AI sires.

Porcine social dynamics 07.01.2022 5:08 ↓

Update on DollyPig and my thoughts on ways to minimize drama when pigs are put in new social groups.

Employee training and management 06.01.2022 15:29 ↓

In which I describe my methods of training employees and philosophy of management.

Can farmers and cheesemakers be considered artists? 05.01.2022 22:38 ↓

Inspired by one of my favorite podcasts, Emmett Audio, I discuss the nature of art vs. craft and why I consider myself an artist.

Working tractor and a new hire 02.01.2022 6:57 ↓

Update on why I’m feeling hopeful and upbeat today.

Cold, “lazy” holiday 02.01.2022 9:58 ↓

In which I give updates from the farm, a few thoughts on my current mental health struggles, and some plans for the next few days.

Preparations for colder weather and a pig party 01.01.2022 9:38 ↓

Extra bedding, extra wind shelter, and a rowdy way of moving pigs around is what happened today on the farm.

Snippets from a cheesemaking day 30.12.2021 20:55 ↓

I share short updates from my day as I make a batch of cheese, feed cows, etc